Earth's resources and human impacts combined excursion | Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science
Program overview
Earth’s resources and human impacts combined is a Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science excursion where students investigate geology, soils, vegetation and introduced species across contrasting sites in Field of Mars Reserve. The program integrates Module 1 Earth’s Resources and Module 4 Human Impacts through practical scientific fieldwork.
Students examine Hawkesbury Sandstone, test soil properties and use sampling techniques and fieldwork instruments to collect qualitative and quantitative data. They compare sites, process and analyse results, evaluate the effects of introduced species and gather primary evidence that can support a Depth Study or school-based assessment task.
Fieldwork inquiry
- What is the dominant parent rock in the Field of Mars Reserve and how was it formed?
- What are the soil types at the Field of Mars Reserve and what are their component materials?
- What are the effects of introduced species on the environment at the Field of Mars Reserve?
Jump to: Program and curriculum | Essential information | Prepare for fieldwork| Location | Extend learning | Related programs
Program and curriculum information
Fieldwork activities
Activities may change to suit student needs, timing and weather conditions.
Rock and mineral investigation
Students observe Hawkesbury Sandstone in situ and use hand lenses and mini microscopes to examine its clasts, matrix and sediment grains. They record grain size class, roundness, sorting and identified mineral types and use a dichotomous key to classify the local sedimentary rock. Students then use their observations and provided sedimentology information to infer the likely transport agent, flow velocity and distance from the sediment source.
Soil investigation
Students compare soils associated with contrasting parent materials and vegetation communities. They examine soil colour and texture and use fieldwork instruments to measure pH and moisture, then consider how atmospheric, geological, hydrological and biological processes contribute to soil formation.
Biotic and abiotic sampling
Students use sampling techniques and fieldwork instruments to compare environmental conditions at contrasting sites. They collect data about vegetation structure, plant species, foliage or canopy cover, air temperature, wind speed, humidity and light intensity.
Introduced species impacts and management
Students compare a less weed-affected bushland site with a weed-infested site. They record native and introduced plant abundance, dominant species, vegetation structure, canopy cover, fauna evidence and selected abiotic conditions. Students organise the comparison using tables and a Venn diagram and explain how weeds interact with biotic and abiotic factors and how conditions in disturbed areas may favour further weed establishment and growth. They use the field evidence and supporting information to consider current control or mitigation strategies.
Worksheet and supporting resources
Student worksheet
Worksheet coming soon.
Secondary worksheets are password protected and available to teachers after booking. Contact Field of Mars EEC to request the password.
Schools are responsible for printing one worksheet for each student before the excursion.
Teacher and student resources
Module 1 resources
View the Earth’s resources Google site.
Module 4 resources
View the Human impacts and introduced species Google site.
View the teacher resources folder.
View the Fieldwork techniques learning resource.
Suggested timetable
Time |
Activities |
| 9.30–10.00 | Introduction, fieldwork preparation, food break and toilets |
| 10.00–10.50 | Fieldwork activity 1 |
| 10.50–11.20 | Food break |
| 11.20–12.10 | Fieldwork activity 2 |
| 12.10–12.40 | Food break and toilets |
| 12.40–1.30 | Fieldwork activity 3 |
| 1.30–2.00 | Data processing and conclusions |
| 2.00–2.15 | Pack up and depart |
The timetable may change according to class numbers, student learning needs and weather.
Syllabus outcomes and content
Students will learn to
- investigate the characteristics and formation of Hawkesbury Sandstone
- classify a local sedimentary-rock sample using observed grain features and a dichotomous key
- compare soil types, properties and component materials
- collect valid and reliable qualitative and quantitative field data
- process and analyse primary and secondary data using tables, diagrams and comparative representations
- explain interactions between the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere
- analyse relationships between parent material, soils, vegetation and environmental conditions
- compare less weed-affected and weed-infested sites
- evaluate the biotic and abiotic effects of introduced plants
- explain how human activities and environmental conditions may favour introduced species
- consider current control and mitigation strategies
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017)
Implementation
Current for Year 11 in 2026 and 2027. The Earth and Environmental Science 11–12 Syllabus (2025) is implemented for Year 11 from 2028.
Module 1 Earth’s Resources
Outcomes
- EES11/12-3 – conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
- EES11/12-4 – selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media
- EES11/12-5 – analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information
- EES11-8 – describes the key features of the Earth’s systems, including the geosphere, atmosphere, hydrosphere and biosphere and how they are interrelated
Content
Rocks, Minerals and the Rock Cycle
Inquiry question: What are the components of rocks and soils?
Students:
- Classify samples using dichotomous keys
- Explain the formation of rocks as characteristic assemblages of mineral crystals or grains
- Explain the formation of soil in terms of the interaction of atmospheric, geologic, hydrologic and biotic processes
- Conduct a practical investigation to examine soil types and component materials
Module 4 Human Impacts
Outcomes
- EES11/12-3 – conducts investigations to collect valid and reliable primary and secondary data and information
- EES11/12-4 – selects and processes appropriate qualitative and quantitative data and information using a range of appropriate media
- EES11/12-5 – analyses and evaluates primary and secondary data and information
- EES11-11 – describes human impact on the Earth in relation to hydrological processes, geological processes and biological changes
Content
Effects of Introduced Species
Inquiry question: How do introduced species affect the Australian environment and ecosystems?
Students:
-
Outline the biotic and abiotic effects of introduced species
-
Conduct an investigation into a local introduced species, including:
- biotic and abiotic effects of the species
- human impacts that favour the introduced species
- control or mitigation methods
-
Analyse ways in which human activity can upset the balance of ecosystems and favour introduced species (ACSES027)
Earth and Environmental Science Stage 6 Syllabus (2017) © NSW Education Standards Authority for and on behalf of the Crown in right of the State of New South Wales, 2017
Vocabulary
Essential information
Cost, class numbers and booking
Cost
DoE $27 per student – GST free
Non-government school $37 per student – GST free, minimum charge $750 per class
Classes
Maximum 2 classes, with up to 30 students per class.
Program costs
Program costs may change. If program costs change after you book, you will be charged at the original cost.
Booking policy
Confirm final student numbers and classes 7 working school days before the program.
Risk assessment and accessibility
Field of Mars Reserve risk assessment and location information – main location
The program includes rugged bushwalking on uneven natural tracks. The full standard program is not wheelchair accessible.
Students who are unwell should not attend.
Classroom teachers are expected to attend and actively supervise students throughout the excursion.
Notify Field of Mars EEC before the visit about medical, mobility, sensory, communication or other support needs so reasonable adjustments can be considered.
What to bring and prepare
School preparation
- Print one worksheet for each student
- Organise students into suitable working groups
- Ensure students bring writing materials and a clipboard
- Ensure students bring a charged mobile device for recording field data
- Inform Field of Mars EEC if student mobile devices are not permitted
- Review relevant fieldwork techniques or supporting resources
- Advise Field of Mars EEC of learning, medical or access requirements
Students should bring
School sports uniform, backpack, medication, low-waste food, water bottle, sunscreen, raincoat, hat, sturdy closed shoes, pencils, clipboard, charged mobile device and a reusable name tag.
Weather, cancellations and rescheduling
The program may be modified, postponed or cancelled because of predicted extreme temperatures, bush fire danger, heavy rainfall, flooding, severe storms, high winds, smoke, poor air quality or dust storms.
Cancellation or rescheduling with less than 30 school days’ notice before the booking date – $650
Cancellation with less than 14 school days’ notice before the booking date – full program cost
Cancellation due to unsafe weather or fire danger – $0
Prepare for secondary fieldwork
Preparing for your excursion
Find information about clothing, equipment, transport, arrival procedures, safety and preparing students for outdoor fieldwork.
Fieldwork techniques
Help students prepare to use scientific equipment, sampling methods, observations and field data-recording techniques.
Location
Field of Mars Reserve
Main location
Find risk assessment information, risk management advice, bus access details and walking track information for Field of Mars Reserve.
Extend student learning
Use these student-friendly fact sheets before or after your Earth’s resources and human impacts excursion to support integrated investigations of geology, ecology, introduced species and site management.
- Field of Mars Reserve fact sheet – Explore a managed urban bushland reserve shaped by sandstone, soil, water, vegetation and human impacts.
- Eucalypt forest ecosystem fact sheet – Learn about forest ecosystems, habitat layers, food webs and environmental pressures.
- Heath ecosystems fact sheet – Compare eucalypt forest with low shrub ecosystems influenced by shallow, sandy or low-nutrient soils.
- Red fox fact sheet – Learn about an introduced predator that affects native animals and ecosystem relationships.
- River and creek environment fact sheet – Explore how water flow, creek banks, erosion, pollution and human impacts affect ecosystems.
- Rock and log habitats fact sheet – Learn how rocks, logs and microhabitats support biodiversity and field observations.
Learn with us
Book this excursion
Book this Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science excursion using the online booking form.
Supporting resources
Access worksheets, assessment materials, fieldwork techniques, digital resources and classroom learning that support secondary science excursions.
Related Stage 6 Earth and Environmental Science programs
Earth’s resources excursion
Investigate Hawkesbury Sandstone landscapes, geology, soils, vegetation and human impacts through Module 1 fieldwork.
Human impacts and introduced species excursion
Compare sites, identify introduced species, measure ecosystem impacts and evaluate current management strategies.